Because of the new contracts last year for OL, Mankins would make 10.1 million this year (avg. of the top 5). Thats alot more then last year and he would be crazy to sit out and pass up that kind of money.

Reiss pointed out in his blog the highest OL made 26 million in the first 3 years of his deal and Mankins would make more then that even if he was just franchised every year (like Walter Jones in Seatle). Risk is you have to stay healthy each year.

Point is, at that amount, I really can't see him sitting out and passing up that kind of dough. I think the bigger question is do the pats want to pay him the 10.1 milion or draft someone and trade him away.

Yeah, just saw it on the Herald's site. It bewilders me that Mankins (and others in this position) do not understand that the team cannot let former top picks (and their investment in them) just walk out the door for nothing..as though the team owes them that. No way! At least give the team a pick back.

Personally, I found Mr. Kraft's position/candor/etc on this matter to be reassuring. Vince is now the long-time leader the the Pats defense. Let's hope the Mankins situation works out in a direction that works for all...in New England.

Quote from the Patriots reads as follows: "Logan Mankins is a tremendous player. He has been a fixture on our offensive line since we drafted him in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft and he remains an important part of our future plans. Unfortunately, we have not been able to reach a long-term agreement, despite many attempts and proposals by both sides. That remains our objective in utilizing the franchise designation and we are hopeful that Logan will be a Patriot for many years to come.”